Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 966,287?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 9662877 x 138041
Negative: -1 x -966287-7 x -138041


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 966,287?

Unfortunately, there's not simple formula to identifying all of the factors of a number and it can be a tedious process when trying to identify the divisors of larger numbers. To find the factor combinations of the number 966,287, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

We start by creating a table and writing 1 on the left side and then the number we're trying to find the factors for on the right side in a table. Then, below that, write the numbers as a negative as well.

1 966,287
-1 -966,287

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 966,287.

Example:
1 x 966,287 = 966,287
and
-1 x -966,287 = 966,287
Notice both answers equal 966,287

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 966,287 and divide it by 2:

966,287 ÷ 2 = 483,143.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 483,143.5 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 966,287
-1 -966,287

Now, we try dividing 966,287 by 3:

966,287 ÷ 3 = 322,095.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 322,095.6667 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 966,287
-1 -966,287

Let's try dividing by 4:

966,287 ÷ 4 = 241,571.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 241,571.75 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 966,287
-1 966,287
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

17138,041966,287
-1-7-138,041-966,287

More Examples

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